Baby Item Must Have's

Ok so I know I am not expert and this is my 1st baby but I thought I'd make a list of the top 10 things we have found the most useful since Miss Peyton was born:

1. A place for baby to sleep before they go into their own room.  We ended up just getting a pack n' play with an infant bassinet insert so that it can be used for vacations now that Peyton is in her big girl crib.

2. Burp Cloths, LOTS & LOTS of burp cloths.  The first couple months I kept one in every room in the house and quite a few in the diaper bag.  My favorite were the plain white cloth diapers from Target.  Easy to wash and soft on babies skin.

3. ZIP footie jammies.  Who on earth knows why but it is so hard to find jammies that zip and they are the best.  It is not so much fun to unsnap a million and half snaps every time you need to change a diaper, which especially in the beginning is a LOT.

4. A Good Carseat, since we kinda live in the middle of nowhere we spend a lot of time in the car and therefore Peyton spends a lot of time in her carseat.  We have the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio, expensive but I believe worth every penny.

5.  A cuddle blanket.  Our favorite has been the Aden & Anais muslin swaddle.  When P was really little it made a great swaddle blanket and now that she's older it's the perfect cuddle blanket.   They sell the brand at Target & Babies r Us but they aren't the muslin ones and are nowhere near as soft.

6. A Stroller, not only do I like to constantly be on the go, I also enjoy walking and jogging, so we invested in a nice jogging stroller and we have not been sorry yet.  We call it Peyton's Cadillac.  We have The BOB.  We of course had the infant car seat adapter for the BOB so that we could use it as a travel system.

7.  Pacifiers, I know everyone has their opinion on these but I would not have my sanity without them.  I personally believe the best pacifiers on the market are the wubbanubs.

8.  A Baby Carrier, when baby is fussy or simply wants to be held and you have things you have to get done, this will be a life saver!  The moby was great when P was little but as she got bigger and wanted to move around a little more we found the Ergo has been wonderful!


9.  A diaper bag.  I would highly suggest one that zips closed.  I love my coach diaper bag but it doesn't close and we have lost a headband or two.


10. Socks, you don't want little one's feet to get cold.  The only ones I have found to stay on are Trumpette.  They are a little pricey but they are adorable and stay on which is huge!

What did you find the most useful for your little one?

Growing SO fast

My oh my, my poor neglected blog.  It's hard to believe but even with being home full time there are not enough hours in the day to do everything I would like to do.  BUT I must say I am LOVING being a mom.  Everyone always tells you it is the best job in the world and I always knew that was true but I had no idea the overwhelming emotions that you feel on a daily basis for this tiny person.  And I know people tell you that time flies but I swear it is going faster EVERY single day.  I still can't believe that our little miracle, Miss Peyton Lynn has been in our lives for over 3 months now.  I can't even remember what my life was like before her.  Just wanted to share a quick update of how much she has grown!

She's smiling on a daily basis now and has the most adorable giggle you've ever heard.

I'll try for a more detailed update later but I better run so many things to do while she's napping, something she's still not a huge fan of doing =).

Peyton Lynn Barrett's Birth Story

I started having contractions early Thursday morning, June 7th 2012, but using my timer I realized they were pretty far apart, 15 to 20 minutes. So I just went about my day as normal. Got some laundry done around the house, went and had a great lunch with my family, came home and put together the new patio furniture that hubs and I had bought eachother for our birthdays. As the evening wore on I noticed they were getting stronger and closer together, about 10 minutes at this point. So I decided I should make some cookies for the nurses at the hospital. I made a huge batch of Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies and then decided I should at least make an attempt at sleep. Unfortunately that didn't work too well with contractions continually getting closer and closer together. At 4am I decided I needed to get up and get ready to go.  

Right before leaving for the hospital.  

I got in the shower and woke hubs up to get the car ready. We called both of our parents to let them know we were on our way to the hospital and then off we went. We arrived at the hospital around 6am. I was checked and we were admitted since I was already dialated to a 6. They put us in a room but then seeing how many people we had to watch the birth (my parents, hub's parents, my sister and my brother) our nurse moved us into the suite. I told the nurse that it was my goal not to have any pain medication so she said she wouldn't push anything and to let her know if there was anything I needed from her. The doctor came in an hour after we were admitted and checked me again. I was now dialted to a 7, so he broke my water and discovered a little merconium, which he assured me was not going to be a problem. He told us we would have a baby by noon. Contractions started getting stronger and closer together and I was sure I was progressing normally. However, after 7 LONG hours I begin to doubt myself and started telling hubs that I wasn't sure I could do this. Everyone kept assuring me that I was doing great but it sure didn't feel like it to me. The nurse suggested that she check me again so we could see how much I had progressed. Reluctantly I agreed, I did not want to lay flat on my back, much to my dismay I had NOT progressed at all. After 7 hours of contractions one on top of the other I had not progressed even 1cm. I wanted to cry. The nurse called the doctor and he came in and discussed with me how this was not normal and he would really like to start a pitocin drip to get things moving. I was beside myself because I had not wanted to have any pitocin. But after some conversations with hubs and my mom I agreed. The nurse also asked about an epidural to allow myself to relax a little to save energy for pushing. I was extremely upset by this conversation because I felt like I was failing. However, hubs and my mom calmed me down and told me I would not be failing, I was simply doing what I needed to do in order to have a healthy baby. The nurse called the anestiologist and I voiced my concerns about not being able to feel my legs and he told me he could give me a walking epidural, where I would still be able to feel my legs it would just take the edge off allowing me to relax a little, since I had begun tensing through contractions. The anestiologist put in the catheder for the walking epidural and they started the pitocin. I felt better and was able to lay back and "relax" a little. However, the babies heart rate started dropping and they had to shut off the pitocin after only a few minutes. But apparently that was enough because within the hour I had a strong urge to push and sure enough I was finally at a 10. I begin pushing and had a renewed energy level because I was going to meet my baby soon. However, after 2 1/2 hours of pushing baby was still not here. Brian and my sister who had been at my side through the entire pushing process, kept saying they could see the head but then it would go back. Needless to say I was exhuasted and beginning to doubt that the baby was ever coming out. They were amazing, and giving me so much support. The doctor came in and I thought for sure he was going to tell me he was going to have to do a C-section. But after watching me push he said we could get baby out vaginally he was just going to have to help me. He was going to put suction on baby's head and when I pushed he would hold baby in position until the next contraction. So after 3 hours of pushing and a little assistance I was finally able to reach down and pull my baby onto my chest. I can still remember the tears that were flowing down my face when the doctor announced that we had a baby girl. I remember looking into hubs eyes and seeing pure and utter joy. Giving birth truly is a miracle. And even though I wasn't able to do it without any interventions as I had planned I know now that I did not fail because I have a beautiful healthy baby girl!  

Moments after she was born.

Peyton and Mommy

Peyton and Daddy

Peyton Lynn Barrett was born June 8th at 7:45pm, 8lbs 1 oz 20.1".

Baby Barrett 40 Weeks

TODAY is the day and I think it's going to pass us without Baby B joining us.  I know that 50% of 1st babies are late but I was really hoping that Baby B was going to be in the other 50% but I guess Baby is not quite ready to join us yet.  So until Baby's ready we will be anxiously awaiting the arrival.
Did I mention our Doctor leaves on Monday for a whole month?!?  So if Baby B doesn't come tonight or tomorrow our doctor won't be delivering.  Dang it!  I really LOVE our Doctor too.  I mean how many doctors do you know that call their patients on their due date to see how they are doing and if anything is progressing!  Amazing right!


Size of the baby: Baby Barrett is now the size of a Pumpkin (19 to 22inches) and 6 to 9lbs.

Total Weight Gain/loss: I have gained 22lbs (as of my last doctors appointment on Wednesday).  My belly is  growing everyday.  I swear when I wake up the morning it has grown overnight.  

Maternity Clothes:  I can still wear a VERY few of my longer shirts, but ALL of my pants are now maternity or stretchy yoga pants.   I am quickly running out of options.  Thank goodness the last couple weekends have been nice enough to wear dresses and skirts.

Gender: SURPRISE!! We are not going to find out till Baby Barrett arrives anytime now =)!  Every time I am out and about I run into someone who has an opinion about what we are having.  

Movement: Definitely have been feeling movement.  Baby B is moving all day long now.  It is such an amazing feeling to feel baby flipping and kicking all day long.  At our ultrasound they confirmed that Baby B is head down and ready to go =).  I think Baby B is definitely beginning to get a little cramped in there because some of the little kicks and jabs are starting to hurt.  

Sleep: Not getting much anymore.  Sleep has become a very precious commodity.  

What I miss: Not having smells literally have me running for the bathroom.  Not getting heartburn.  Being able to see my feet when I walk.

Cravings: Ummm... Hawaiian Shaved Ice.  That has seriously become my new favorite obsession and luckily the Pure Water Store in Woodland sells it.  Oh and ice chips and popsicles!

Symptoms: Since last Friday night I have developed this terrible itching all over my body.  It isn't so bad during the day but at night it is almost unbearable.  Luckily I have found that oatmeal baths and Sarna lotion can keep it under control enough for me to fall asleep.  More and more Braxton Hicks contractions.  It's such a strange feeling to have your whole stomach tighten and contort into weird positions.  I secretly keep hoping they will get more and more intense and bring on labor =).

Best moment this week: I think I would have to say last night and today were the best moments this week.  Hubs and I headed down to EG and had a wonderful dinner with my family, spent the night and went on a nice long walk this morning.  It was a wonderful day!  My mom didn't want us to leave just in case Baby B decided to come.

Baby Barrett 39 Weeks

WOW!  I cannot believe that it has been 9 months now.  I mean I felt like the pregnancy was going fast but my due date is now TODAY!  Time flies!  Although I do have the say the last week has kinda of drug on because everynight I climb into bed secretly hoping that tonight will be the night Baby B decides it wants to be born.  


Size of the baby: Baby Barrett is now the size of a watermelon approx.. 19 - 22  inches long & approx 6 1/2lbs. 

Total Weight Gain/loss: I have gained 22lbs (as of my last doctors appointment on Wednesday).  My belly is  growing everyday.  I swear when I wake up the morning it has grown overnight.  The last couple times I have been measuring two weeks big so it appears will be having a fairly good size little peanut =)
According to the doctor he is hoping I am in the 50% who deliver before their due date otherwise I may be delivering a 10lb. baby!  YIKES!  But with my due date only 2 short days away looks like Baby B is either going to be right on time or late.  Guess Baby is mighty comfy in there.  

Maternity Clothes:  I can still wear a VERY few of my longer shirts, but ALL of my pants are now maternity or stretchy yoga pants.   I am quickly running out of options.  Thank goodness the last couple weekends have been nice enough to wear dresses and skirts.

Gender: SURPRISE!! We are not going to find out till Baby Barrett arrives in May!  Every time I am out and about I run into someone who has an opinion about what we are having.  

Movement: Definitely have been feeling movement.  Baby B is moving all day long now.  It is such an amazing feeling to feel baby flipping and kicking all day long.  At our ultrasound they confirmed that Baby B is head down and ready to go =).  I think Baby B is definitely beginning to get a little cramped in there because some of the little kicks and jabs are starting to hurt.  The funniest things are the hiccups I have been feeling which seem to be a lot more common lately.

Sleep: Not getting much anymore.  Sleep has become a very precious commodity.  

What I miss: Not having smells literally have me running for the bathroom.  Not getting heartburn.  Being able to see my feet when I walk.

Cravings: Ummm... Hawaiian Shaved Ice.  That has seriously become my new favorite obsession and luckily the Pure Water Store in Woodland sells it.  I swear the guy in there is going to know me by name pretty soon.  Hubs and I went yesterday and it just hit the spot.  

Symptoms: Since last Friday night I have developed this terrible itching all over my body.  It isn't so bad during the day but at night it is almost unbearable.  Luckily I have found that oatmeal baths and Sarna lotion can keep it under control enough for me to fall asleep.  We are waiting on blood work from the Doctor to rule out any possible complications, but I am hoping it's just due to the rise in hormones being produced in my body.  Also, more and more Braxton Hicks contractions.  It's such a strange feeling to have your whole stomach tighten and contort into weird positions.  I secretly keep hoping they will get more and more intense and bring on labor =).

Best moment this week: Well I've been on maternity leave this week so it's been really nice to get some things done around the house and be able to sleep in.  Also hubs has been coming home from work a little early to spend time with me and it's been really nice to get to enjoy some time just the two of us, since we won't have that for quite some time again.  Also last night hubs and I went to see The Avengers, since it will probably be quite a while before we can go to a movie again.  

Baby Barrett 38 Weeks

Size of the baby: Baby Barrett is now the size of a watermelon approx.. 19 - 22  inches long & approx 6 1/2lbs. 

Total Weight Gain/loss: I have gained 24lbs (as of my last doctors appointment).  My belly is  growing everyday.  I swear when I wake up the morning it has grown overnight.  The last couple times I have been measuring two weeks big so it appears will be having a fairly good size little peanut =)
According to the doctor he is hoping I am in the 50% who deliver before their due date otherwise I may be delivering a 10lb. baby!  YIKES!

Maternity Clothes:  I can still wear a VERY few of my longer shirts, but ALL of my pants are now maternity or stretchy yoga pants.   I am quickly running out of options.  Thank goodness the last couple weekends have been nice enough to wear dresses.

Gender: SURPRISE!! We are not going to find out till Baby Barrett arrives in May!  Every time I am out and about I run into someone who has an opinion about what we are having.  

Movement: Definitely have been feeling movement.  Baby B is moving all day long now.  It is such an amazing feeling to feel baby flipping and kicking all day long.  At our ultrasound they confirmed that Baby B is head down and ready to go =).  I think Baby B is definitely beginning to get a little cramped in there because some of the little kicks and jabs are starting to hurt.  The funniest things are the hiccups I have been feeling which seem to be a lot more common lately.

Sleep: Not getting much anymore.  Sleep has become a very precious commodity.  

What I miss: Not having smells literally have me running for the bathroom.  Not getting heartburn.  Being able to see my feet when I walk.

Cravings: Ummm... Nothing really in particular lately. I am still working on trying to get in 100 grams of protein a day and let me tell you, that is is not an easy thing to do.  

Symptoms: Just more and more Braxton Hicks contractions.  It's such a strange feeling to have your whole stomach tighten and contort into weird positions.

Best moment this week: Going down to USC and watching my baby brother graduate from college.  We weren't sure if we were going to be able to go just because of the proximity to the due date but the Doctor gave us the all clear and I am beyond thrilled that we made the trip.

Baby Barrett 37 Weeks

Size of the baby: Baby Barrett is now the size of a watermelon approx.. 19 - 22  inches long & approx 6 1/2lbs. 

Total Weight Gain/loss: I have gained 22lbs (as of my last doctors appointment).  My belly is  growing everyday.  I swear when I wake up the morning it has grown overnight.  The last couple times I have been measuring two weeks big so it appears will be having a fairly good size little peanut =)
According to the doctor he is hoping I am in the 50% who deliver before their due date otherwise I may be delivering a 10lb. baby!  YIKES!

Maternity Clothes:  I can still wear a VERY few of my longer shirts, but ALL of my pants are now maternity or stretchy yoga pants.   I am quickly running out of options.  Thank goodness the last couple weekends have been nice enough to wear dresses.

Gender: SURPRISE!! We are not going to find out till Baby Barrett arrives in May!  Every time I am out and about I run into someone who has an opinion about what we are having.  

Movement: Definitely have been feeling movement.  Baby B is moving all day long now.  It is such an amazing feeling to feel baby flipping and kicking all day long.  At our ultrasound they confirmed that Baby B is head down and ready to go =).  I think Baby B is definitely beginning to get a little cramped in there because some of the little kicks and jabs are starting to hurt.  The funniest things are the hiccups I have been feeling which seem to be a lot more common lately.

Sleep: Not getting much anymore.  Sleep has become a very precious commodity.  

What I miss: Not having smells literally have me running for the bathroom.  Not getting heartburn.  Being able to see my feet when I walk.

Cravings: Ummm... Nothing really in particular lately. I am still working on trying to get in 100 grams of protein a day and let me tell you, that is is not an easy thing to do.  

Symptoms: Just more and more Braxton Hicks contractions.  It's such a strange feeling to have your whole stomach tighten and contort into weird positions.

Best moment this week: Well it hasn't happened yet but we have two baby showers this weekend one today and one tomorrow and it will be so fun to celebrate baby b =).